Topographical mapwork in geographical education

Abstract

Topographical mapwork has a strong position in the syllabi and examinations in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland. It has not been the subject of any research, however, so a questionnaire survey of geography teachers was undertaken to investigate aspects of its nature and problems. It receives less teaching time and resources than its role in assessment might suggest. Mapwork was considered to be comparatively easy to learn, relative to other sections and skills in the syllabi, but considerable differences in the level of difficulty of various topics within mapwork were perceived. Problems in teaching and learning topographical mapwork are discussed